Seeing how gracious and forgiving the people are, despite the horrors they once faced
My heart went out to them. For what we give, it’s nothing compared to how they live, and to me it’s not generous, it’s just what we should do.
I talk about the people more than anything. They’re very gracious. They don’t have a lot but they’re prepared to share it.
They’re community minded. They’re family-oriented. I was totally impressed by them, it was very emotional. At one point Stephanie and Consolee’s mother were in tears, just the emotion of it. And you feel humbled by it; you feel humbled by the gratitude that they have and you know what you give is not a lot in our terms. It makes you want to give more to be honest.
Rwanda’s a beautiful place, the geography and topography is absolutely beautiful, but they’ve been through hell, they had the genocide in the 90s where 800,000 people were murdered. For them to have recovered to the extent they have with forgiveness for their perpetrators; that’s empowering.
In a country where poverty is the norm, they have fantastic values and integrity, I’m just … I’m just sold on them, I think they’re fantastic. It’s clear that World Vision’s influence has been at the fore in all of this.
I don’t think I could forgive someone who killed my son or my wife, but they do … and that’s admirable.
It was apparent in the community that we visited that they live in harmony; they know one another, they help one another. And I think it’s promoted through World Vision to a great extent.
My message to other Rwanda sponsors …
The things I’d like to share, is that if you have the time and the wherewithal to visit, you should make it a priority. If you ever have doubts about whether or not the money you sponsor through World Vision is going to the right places or the right people; it will prove it.
Secondly, I think the families really appreciate the visit. And from a personal and emotional perspective, I would encourage others to go and just to see. I understand that sponsorship is a very big thing, I’m just glad that sponsors have the opportunity to do it.
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